Spider-Gwen #1Review

Spider-Verse has been a great showcase for all sorts of Spider-powered characters, both new and familiar. No new character has left quite as strong an impression as Spider-Gwen. By the time the character actually debuted in Edge of Spider-Verse #2, she had already attracted a rabid fanbase eager to flaunt their love for Spider-Gwen through fan art and cosplay. Clearly this revamped take on Gwen Stacy is striking a chord. And even in a time where Marvel has launched new ongoing books starring Spider-Woman and Silk, Spider-Gwen #1 proves just how much room there is for this particular female-driven Spider-man spinoff.

Both writer Jason Latour and artist Robbi Rodriguez are back for this series. For all intents and purposes, Edge of Spider-Verse #2 is the real Spider-Gwen #1. That issue laid out the basics of this alternate universe where Gwen Stacy was bitten by the radioactive spider and became a superhero. Rather than waste time rehashing any of that setup, Latour and Rodriguez pick up where Spider-Verse left off and launch right into a new series of conflicts for Gwen. As a result, this issue isn't the greatest gateway for new readers, but neither does it suffer from your typical first issue slow start.

Above all, this issue succeeds in establishing Gwen as her own, unique character. She never comes across as merely a female variant of Peter Parker. Her personality is distinct not just from Peter, but from Jessica Drew, Mayday Parker, Anya Corazon, or any of the other women to don a Spider costume. Gwen has her own set of hang-ups and her own brand of humor. Latour is able to give Gwen a hip, contemporary voice without pushing too hard and making the book feel like a crass attempt to appeal to teen readers. There's a rebellious, punk rock vibe to the book, and not just because Gwen happens to be the ex-drummer for New York's hottest new indie band. We've seen a lot of recent Marvel books attempt this edgy, youthful approach to superhero storytelling, but Spider-Gwen is more successful than most.

One of the elements that made Edge of Spider-Verse #2 stand out was the way Latour subverted the familiar Spider-Man origin story. The most intriguing change was the way Peter Parker became both Gwen's first major villain and the defining, Uncle-Ben-style tragedy in her life. Latour continues that trend in this issue as his focus expands outward and he begins defining this Marvel Universe. Plenty of familiar faces show up here - some from the Spider-Man franchise and others from outside Marvel properties. Each character is overhauled significantly, with some taking on a role almost diametrically opposed to the traditional versions. There's a real sense that anything goes in this universe, and that sort of creative freedom is rarely a bad thing.

Artist Robbi Rodriguez and colorist Rico Renzi are important as Latour in giving this book a unique tone and sense of style. Spider-Gwen immediately stands out because of her striking costume design (easily one of the best of the many updates to the familiar Spider-Man outfit), but the appeal runs deeper than that. Rodriguez's hyper-kinetic character designs bring a real energy to the page. The series is reminiscent of All-New Ghost rider in that regard, but not quite so heavily stylized. Graffiti is an important element of the story, and in many ways the book is like an elaborate graffiti painting come to life. Renzi's color scheme, heavy as it is on secondary colors like purple and green, give this series a very psychedelic vibe. It's almost like a neo-noir update to the classic 1960's animated series. The colors can be a little tiring on the eyes, though, and at times a more muted approach might have been warranted.

The only real flaw with this first issue is that it doesn't do enough to generate a clear, overarching conflict for Gwen. Latour explores Gwen's troubled relationship with her father, her clashes with several villains, her status as a wanted murderer, and her general loneliness and isolation from her old life. However, none of these elements really rise to the forefront yet. There's a clear sense of who Gwen Stacy is, but less so of what her struggle is post-Spider-Verse. But given the phenomenal response to this character so far, it's safe to say Latour will have ample time to tackle that problem.

The Verdict

If you were captivated by Spider-Gwen's debut last year, you'll definitely want to check out this first issue. More than ever, Latour succeeds in establishing this heroine as a compelling character distinct from any other Spider-Man, Woman, Girl, or Animal. The books psychedelic, graffiti-influenced visuals also go a long way towards making this comic stand out. There isn't a clear, overarching conflict that emerges in this first chapter, but the art, characterization, and clever subversions of familiar Marvel characters are more than enough to make this comic worthwhile.

Great

Spider-Gwen new comic gets off to a solid start thanks to a hip tone, strong characterization, and vibrant artwork.